Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma are likely to return to India’s T20I squad when the national selectors meet on Tuesday to finalise the team for the Asia Cup in the UAE, beginning September 9.
Neither player has featured in the format since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach in July 2024. Shreyas last played a T20I in December 2023, while Jitesh’s most recent appearance was in January this year.
The management is understood to favour an experienced middle-order option for the UAE’s slower tracks. Shreyas’ inclusion, however, could come at the cost of either Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh, both part of the squad against England earlier this year.
Jitesh, fresh from playing a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title, is tipped to replace Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper behind Sanju Samson.
The selectors must also resolve the fast-bowling combination. With Mohammed Shami unavailable, there is room for one pacer, and the call is between Jasprit Bumrah — in contention for a comeback — and Prasidh Krishna, who impressed during the IPL.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, back to full fitness after recovering from a sports hernia, will be part of the selection meeting. His input will be significant as the team management builds towards the T20 World Cup at home next year.
While there has been talk of recalling openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both are expected to be kept fresh for the two-Test series against the West Indies that begins in Ahmedabad on October 2, just four days after the Asia Cup final.
India have won 13 of their 15 T20Is under Gambhir, and the selectors are likely to retain the core group that has delivered consistent results in recent months.
